Halachos of Yoledes and Niddah

Hi, before my wife goes into labor, I would like to know the halachos regarding Hilchos Niddah. At what point does my wife become forbidden, and would she then be considered a choleh, such that certain things would be permitted to do, And if so, what would they be?

Thank you for your question.

Thank you for your question.

Before sharing the practical halachos regarding a yoledes, I would first like to share with you the source for this halacha and the reasoning behind it.

The Gemara in Meseches Shabbos discusses when one may be mechalel Shabbos for a yoledes, and defines from what point the birth process is considered to have begun.

תלמוד בבלי, מסכת שבת דף קכ״ט עמוד א׳

מאימתי פתיחת הקבר?
 אמר אביי: משעה שתשב על המשבר.
 רב הונא בריה דרב יהושע אמר: משעה שהדם שותת ויורד.
 ואמרי לה: משעה שחברותיה נושאות אותה באגפיה.

Tractate Shabbos 129a

From when is the “opening of the womb” considered to have begun?

Abaye said: From the moment she sits on the birthing stool.

Rav Huna, the son of Rav Yehoshua, said: From the moment blood begins to discharge.

And some say: From the moment her companions support her by her arms as they assist her.

Based on this Gemara, we see that the birth is considered to have begun in one of these situations. Therefore, with regard to Hilchos Niddah as well, we assume that blood has already been discharged with the opening of the womb, and that she is considered tamei niddah. This is based on the Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh Deah, Siman 194.

Therefore, a woman becomes tamei niddah in one of these cases:

1. Bleeding started.
2. A lot of water broke and there is a possibility that there was bleeding (for example, the water is not clear or it is a little red, etc.).
3. The contractions are so strong that she cannot walk anymore.
4. There is an opening of 6 cm (3 fingers).

(If she was induced with stripping, then one would need to ask a rav about what her halachic status is. Same too if the mucus plug was released, then a rav would have to be consulted because each case is different.)

The Status of a Yoledes as a Choleh During Labor

It is important to note that once she has regular contractions she is considered a choleh. Therefore, even though it is forbidden to touch her or to look at parts of her body that are generally covered (Mekomot Mechusim), it is nevertheless permitted to pass her things and to give her encouragement and compliments since this can help her.

This is based on the rulings of the Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh Deah, Siman 195, Seif 16, see the meforshim there.

Since it is forbidden to touch one's wife and since she might need help, one should arrange for either her mother or a birth coach to be there, even if it may cost money. In a case where one would be alone with his wife, then speak to a rav before coming to the hospital.

Hefsek Taharah and Bedikos After Birth

After birth, one would have to do a hefsek taharah and shivah neki'im. With regard to the hefsek taharah in this instance after birth, one should not use a moch dachuk since the area is still very sensitive, and should only do the hefsek taharah.

Generally, the area is still very sensitive after birth. Therefore, if there is concern that the bedikot may cause an injury, etc., please write back to us and we will advise you further.

May everything work out well, and be zoche to a leydah kalah.

1. תלמוד בבלי מסכת שבת דף קכ״ט עמוד א׳
2. שולחן ערוך יורה דעה סימן קצ״ד
3. שולחן ערוך יורה דעה סימן קצ״ה סעיף ט״ז
4. נושאי הכלים שם על סימן קצ״ה סעיף ט״ז
5. הלכות טהרה - ממורינו הגאון הרב פריד שליט"א - פרק ז.